Ski in the Karakorum, Pakistan. You only need 21 days and a good level of skiing. A training and exploration expedition with skis on several peaks up to 6,400m in the Mashebrum area. Learn by doing an authentic expedition with views of K2!
From 3.500€
For those who want to enter the great peaks of the Karakorum and the Himalayas outside of commercial expeditions, we have created this “KARAKORUM ALPINSCHOOL”.
Starting from the town of Hushe, the final arrival point of the expeditions to K2 and the Baltoro trekking, we will set up our base camp at the foot of Masherbrum (K1), one of the most beautiful and difficult to climb mountains on earth. From here we will carry out various activities in the valley and nearby valleys. Our main objective will be Cathedral Peak (Masherbrum II) of 6,400m and which has been climbed very few times. An ideal mountain to introduce yourself with touring skis or splitboard into the world of the great mountains of the Karakorum and the Himalayas. Some of the mountains that we will explore are virgin and several have the possibility of opening new routes of all difficulties, even with skis.
We manage all the logistics until the base camp. Different teams can pursue different objectives at each level or come together to achieve a common goal. Always with total autonomy, without fixed ropes or high-altitude porters and at all times we coordinate and advise by Jordi Tosas and our team from Pakistan.
Day 1 and 2
Arrival in Islamabad. Private transfer to the hotel. Free afternoon, and dinner with the entire expedition team to try the famous Pakistani kebabs.
Day 3
In the morning our local guide will pick us up and take us to Islamabad Airport. Here we will take a one-hour commercial flight to Skardu, the gateway for all Karakorum expeditions. From the plane, we will be able to see Nanga Parbat, K2, Gasherbrums… We will settle in a comfortable hotel with views of the entire city and the nearby valleys. In the afternoon we can make our last purchases.
In case of bad weather and we could not fly, we would make the trip by road along the famous Karakorum Highway. A picturesque two-day tour to cover the 700km that separate Islamabad from Skardu.
Day 4
In the morning a private jeep will take us to Hushe, the last town and gateway to the Karakorum. The trip will take about 6 hours.
Day 5
Today we will trek to our base camp. In about 6-7 hours of comfortable walking we will reach the BC. Here we will settle in to spend the next few days. We will have individual stores, dining room, kitchen and toilets…
Days 6 to 16
We will climb this mountain in the purest alpine style, without the help of porters and carrying what is necessary ourselves. So we have to get good acclimatization. We will carry out different activities that will gradually allow us to move comfortably at altitude until we are fully prepared and make the final attack on Cathedral Peak (6,400m). We have enough time to climb, and we should not rush, the trip is essential and it is what takes us to that magical point that is the summit.
Day 17
Today we will trek for about 5-6 hours walking back to Hushe, the last town in the valley.
Day 18
Transfer by private jeep from Hushe to Skardu. In the afternoon we can shop for traditional products in Skardu.
Day 19
In the morning we will fly back to Islamabad. In case of bad weather, we will begin the return route to Islamabad by road. Arrival in Islamabad and transfer to the hotel
Day 20
Reserve day in Islamabad, in case due to weather problems it is not possible to fly from Skardu and you have to return by car via the KHW.
We will take the opportunity to make a cultural visit to the Grand Bazaar of Rawalpindi and the Great Mosque of Islamabad.
Day 21
We will leave Islamabad heading home, with a new adventure
The expedition is planned from a base camp located near the river and very close to the entrance to the glacier. For 11 days the camp will be set up and supplied with food for everyone. From there we must enter the glacier towards the mountains.
From base camp we will have to be autonomous among ourselves, but advised and coordinated by our staff. The necessary equipment for the team must be provided by the team, as well as the high altitude tent, kitchens and gas. The teams will be independent, but in any case we will all be on the mountain to learn and to help each other in all cases. Even if different routes are chosen, there will always be someone advising. If it is necessary to equip any section of cracks or rims, the material can be shared.
Any meteorological or risk factor may lead to a change of plans by our guide, who will be in charge of implementing alternatives based on our European weather forecasters in real time and coordinating our local support team.
The program is designed to adapt the technical level of the climbs to the highest level of enjoyment possible. In the Karakorum the mountains are hard. Obviously, the main difficulty is the altitude (lack of oxygen) and its harsh climate. It is important to have good technique management, as well as some experience in winter mountaineering and if you decide to come with skis, have good technique management.
The participant must meet both physical and mental conditions to undertake this type of expedition, since otherwise all of his or her expectations may be frustrated. The more prepared we are, the more chances we will have of reaching the summit. Normally the pace of ascent will be slow, we have to reserve strength as much as possible for the days of higher altitude.
Before the start, each participant must prepare on their own by doing training and going out into the mountains as much as possible. All participants who want can take one or two weekend outings with us. In this outing we are going to work on the most important aspects that will mark an expedition to the Karakorum: rhythm, cooking at altitude, setting up and supplying a camp, specific climbing techniques, acclimatization, equipment, altitude medicine…
As mountain professionals we not only seek the greatest enjoyment, but also the highest possible degree of safety during the activities. For this we will have personal safety equipment, permanent communication and a sufficient first aid kit.
It is essential to have insurance that covers these incidents and is mandatory for all participants.
At the base camp we will sleep in tents. Our bag must guarantee a minimum temperature of -10ºC, especially for nights at altitude.
The food will be of the highest standard possible within the remote situation where we will find ourselves. If any of you have any special requirements, please do not hesitate to let us know.
We will send an individual material list to each participant so that they can bring everything they need with them.
We advise you to take the following courses before your trip to enjoy the experience to the fullest:
KARAKORUM ALPIN SCHOOL
